Hapoel Tel Aviv Wins Toto Cup in Dramatic Derby Final
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
Hapoel Tel Aviv defeated Maccabi Tel Aviv 3-2 in a dramatic Toto Cup final on Thursday, securing their first major league title since 2012. Coach Eliniv Barda celebrated the win, while Maccabi's coach Keni Miller expressed deep disappointment. The victory was hailed by league and football association officials as a significant event for Israeli football.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Hapoel Tel Aviv won the Toto Cup by beating Maccabi Tel Aviv 3-2 in a dramatic derby final.
- This is Hapoel Tel Aviv's first major league title since winning the State Cup in 2012.
- Hapoel Tel Aviv led 3-0 before Maccabi Tel Aviv mounted a late comeback attempt.
- Hapoel coach Eliniv Barda called the win a "great honor for Israeli football."
- Maccabi Tel Aviv coach Keni Miller stated his team "didn't do enough" and "didn't create chances."
- League and football association chairmen congratulated Hapoel Tel Aviv on their victory.
Hapoel Tel Aviv secured the Toto Cup trophy on Thursday evening, defeating fierce rivals Maccabi Tel Aviv 3-2 in a heated final at Bloomfield Stadium. Hapoel Tel Aviv established a commanding 3-0 lead, appearing to be on track for a comfortable victory. However, a late brace from Dor Peretz and a missed opportunity by Ester Sukler nearly allowed Maccabi to complete a dramatic comeback.
This marks Hapoel Tel Aviv's first major league title since winning the State Cup in 2012. The victory over their city rivals in a cup final amplified the celebrations for players and fans who had long awaited such a moment.
An emotional Hapoel coach Eliniv Barda expressed his joy, stating, "Great happiness, we are happy for the crowd, the fans have waited for this for many years. It is the Toto Cup, but in a derby with a lot of prestige, with a full stadium. A game that is a great honor for Israeli football." He acknowledged defensive strengths and offensive improvements, while admitting he might have rushed substitutions when leading 3-0.
Barda is already looking ahead, hoping this cup will be the first of several titles for the club. "Hopefully there will be more titles," he said. "We want to be there around April and then we can talk about the direction we are going." He also praised the club's ownership and management for providing a stable environment.
On the opposing side, Maccabi Tel Aviv's disappointment was palpable. Losing coach Keni Miller lamented, "It's very, very disappointing. We didn't do enough for most of the minutes, we didn't create chances. But when you defend like that, you won't win games, and certainly not finals." Dor Peretz echoed the sentiment, "I don't know what to say. Super disappointed, bummed. Not just about the result but about our performance tonight." He felt there was a clear penalty call missed in his favor.
Erez Halfon, Chairman of the Leagues Association, congratulated Hapoel Tel Aviv, praising their "impressive combination of determination, quality football, and strong character." Shino Zuarz, Chairman of the Football Association, also extended congratulations, calling the derby final a "special moment" and a "great evening for Israeli football."
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